Life & Work with Jessica Sweeney of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Sweeney.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Macaroni KID itself has been around for almost 20 years. I first started following the Athens publication as a first-time mother who had a baby during the height of COVID. My son had just turned 16 months old, and as the world slowly began to reopen, I found myself eager to get us out of the house, but completely overwhelmed trying to figure out what was happening around town. I wanted my son to experience our community, I just didn’t know where to start. Without a village to lean on, I was constantly searching for family-friendly events, activities, and places where we could connect with others.

One day, while talking with another parent about how much of a struggle it was to find local events, they suggested I check out the Macaroni KID Athens website, where I could find a daily calendar full of family-friendly events and activities.

From then on, I visited the website almost daily.

It was an incredible tool for finding upcoming library events, seasonal attractions, and helpful information, like where kids could eat free around town.

As I continued following the publication, I noticed the Athens edition no longer had an active publisher. A few months later, I had the crazy thought: “I wonder if I could do that??” So I applied. After several essays and Zoom interviews, I was offered the opportunity to become the Publisher and Editor of Macaroni KID Athens.

In May 2023, I hit the ground running, building a trusted community resource one article, one event, and one relationship at a time. Balancing life as a stay-at-home mom while unexpectedly becoming a work-from-home business owner has challenged me in ways I never expected. It’s certainly called for early mornings and late nights, but I truly wouldn’t have it any other way.

This role has given me the opportunity to connect with the people behind the organizations and resources that make our community so special, the faces behind the small businesses, and countless families who call Athens and Oconee home.

What started as a simple search for things to do with my son has grown into a passion for helping other families discover all the wonderful experiences, businesses, and resources the Athens area has to offer. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that something I once depended on is now something I have the privilege of creating for others every single day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. When I took over Macaroni KID Athens, I wasn’t just stepping into a new role; I was learning how to run an entire business by myself. What many people don’t realize is that Macaroni KID Athens is truly a one-woman operation. I’m the writer, editor, photographer, newsletter creator, social media manager, event calendar curator, salesperson, and everything in between – all at the same time.

There was a steep learning curve, but almost three and a half years later, I’ve gotten the hang of it. Looking back, those early challenges helped me grow, gave me a lot of grit, and reminded me of the importance of showing up consistently for the community I serve.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My mission is simple: help local families make the most of where they live. I work hard to research and gather information that’s scattered across countless websites and social media pages, then organize it into one reliable resource that’s easy for busy families to use.

Over the last few years, I’m known for piecing together curated guides to help connect families to summer camps, holiday events & celebrations, and everyday fun, making it easier for parents to plan ahead and discover all of the fun Athens and Oconee has to offer.

Beyond publishing, I love partnering with small businesses to host seasonal giveaways that introduce families to new experiences, like a visit to Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a self-treat day at a local salon, and tickets to upcoming shows downtown. What I’m most proud of is the trust that has been built. Families know that if it’s featured on Macaroni KID Athens, it’s something I genuinely believe is worth their time.

As a parent myself, I wouldn’t recommend something that I wouldn’t want my family to experience. Every recommendation is made through the lens of a local mom FIRST and a publisher second, and I think that’s what makes my connection with families so special.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people assume I’ve always worked in marketing or journalism, but that’s actually far from the truth. Before becoming the Publisher of Macaroni KID Athens, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and worked in corrections as both a correctional officer and counselor, then later as a private investigator.

It’s definitely not the career path most people expect from a local mom who spends her days writing about pumpkin patches, but looking back, those experiences taught me to stay organized, pay attention to the details, communicate with all kinds of people, and adapt when the unexpected happens. Those skills have been surprisingly valuable in running a business and serving our community.

Pricing:

• Macaroni KID Athens is completely FREE for local families. There are no subscriptions, memberships, or paywalls.
• Our weekly e-newsletter is also free and is delivered every Thursday morning with upcoming events, local activities, seasonal guides, giveaways, and family-friendly recommendations.
• Local businesses interested in advertising or partnering with Macaroni KID Athens can learn more by visiting the website or reaching out directly for sponsorship and marketing opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://athens.macaronikid.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackidathens/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacKidAthens